Course Co-ordinator: Dr B Davies

Pre-requisite(s): PO 2504 Understanding Statistics or equivalent.

The course will introduce and develop the following aspects:

• Philosophical frameworks underpinning research approaches


• Research strategies for the design and conduct of research projects


• Ethical constraints and considerations in social science research


• Alternative sampling strategies and their benefits and limitations


• Quantitative methods, such as structured questionnaires and content analysis


• Qualitative methods, such as participant observations and ethnography


• Consideration of mixed methods and pragmatic concerns with research

1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 two-hour tutorial every two weeks over the duration of the course.

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (70%); and continuous assessment (30%) consisting of a graded written assignment (approx 2500 words).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).